PROJECT: Access of safe drinking water

AREA OF PROJECTT: Bani Hafiz (tehsil Hatiyaan District Muzaffarabad)

DATE: 12-09-007

PROJECT COST 36435 Rs

DONOR BURNLEY FOR KASHMIR

AUTHOR Aamir Khawaja

BACKGROUND:

In October 2005 a devastating earthquake hit northern areas of Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir affecting 30000 sq km area and destroying entire villages, cities and their infrastructure which were built in decades. This earthquake was so devastating that caused 73338 deaths, injured hundreds of thousands and made 2.3 million people food insecure (Official sources). This earthquake is considered the worst natural calamity ever in the history of the area, it not only destroyed houses and buildings but also ruined a complete generation. Effects of this destruction will remain evident in future for a long time. According to Government of AJK official sources, health facilities and infrastructure were also badly damaged, 80% hospitals and BHU were completely destroyed. As women and children are the most vulnerable groups of the society, in this tragedy women and particularly children took the brunt of this disaster, close to 4600 schools were completely destroyed, tens of thousands of children were killed and more then 10000 disabled or injured, many were crushed under the rubble of school buildings.

2. THE PROBLEM

The earthquake severely impacted existing drinking water supply and sanitation systems in Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Intake structures, treatment plants, storage reservoirs, supply mains and distribution networks were damaged or destroyed. Wells and springs reported significant reduction in yield while water sources in many localities dried up or were buried under the land slides. Household latrines, sewerage networks, drains, solid waste management related equipment and infrastructure and office and residential buildings of the line agencies also suffered considerable damages. According to information provided by the Governments of AJK, a total of 1641 water supply schemes and sanitation system, were damaged and need to be rehabilitated or reconstructed. This destruction and the presence of prevailing hot weather has caused an alarming situation, where breakout of epidemic diseases is expected any moment. People including students and teachers are suffering from various diseases due to lack of appropriate water and sanitation facilities in schools. In addition people especially communities in highland areas are less aware about standard and safe health, hygiene and cleanliness practices. Bani Hafiz is one of those areas where the earthquake hit badly there was only one water scheme, which is totally destroyed by the devastating earthquake. According to village profile there are 230 inhabitants those need access of safe drinking water. In the result of huge disaster the mountain crumbled down and a remains in a result of lake.

The majority of the little girls fetched water six times a day to enable their family, to meet their daily water requirements.

Community Demand:

The village representative submits an application in the office of Kashmir Charitable Trust for a water Tank and plastic pipe to access soft drinking water. There was only one water resource for the community and the distance of water source was 3800 metres.

Activity

he community distance from water source was 3500 metres, to reduce this distance a water tank (1500 gallon) fixed on the nearest point to fetch water in tank we use black plastic pipe 1.5”.

Budget

Water Tank (1500 Gallon) 12000

Pipe 20900

Water tab 35

Transport charges 3500

TOTAL COST 36435

Community participation 6000

Organization Participation 10000

Burnley For Kashmir Donation 20435

Acknowledgement

Although projects like this are small budget projects the impact can accommodate a maximum number of vulnerable people. We are very thankful to Mubashar Lone from Burnley for his great emotions for humanity. An individual like him can show a path for other individuals to play their role in the development of their own country.